IHSAA News Release - 11-24-10

IHSAA News Release

November 24, 2010

WTHR’S DAVE CALABRO TO BE HONORED BY IHSAA
One of the state’s most recognizable sportcasters, Dave Calabro of WTHR-TV Channel 13 in Indianapolis, has been named the recipient of the 2010-11 IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award for District II.

Calabro’s contributions to Indiana high school sports will be honored during Friday’s Class A state championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress along with Sports Information Director Jason Wille will make the presentation to Calabro.

As Sports Director for WTHR-TV, Calabro appears virtually seven days a week on Channel 13. He anchors sports on weeknights on Eyewitness News and hosts the popular "13 SportsJam" Sunday nights at 11:20 pm. During the high school seasons, Calabro’s “Operation Football”, with its frequent helicopter stops across the area, and “Operation Basketball” features have become highly popular with viewers all over central Indiana. “Operation Football” is wrapping up its 17th season this weekend. He also originated the annual Operation Football Spirit Award 17 years ago which is awarded to the high school that demonstrates the best school spirit during athletic events.

In addition to his on-air segments, Calabro's voice can be heard throughout the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he has worked as a track announcer since 1985. An avid racing fan, Calabro provides some of the most thorough, insightful race coverage found anywhere and also serves as master of ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 Victory Banquet each May.

His hard work has been honored with several regional Emmy awards and he has been named "Best Sportscaster" by Indianapolis Monthly and NUVO readers.

Calabro joined WTHR-TV in May of 1992 as weekend sports anchor. During his time there, he has covered high school and college sports, the Colts, the Pacers and Olympic games all over the world. Before coming to WTHR, he worked for five years at WDTN-TV in Dayton, Ohio where he covered Bengals football and Reds baseball as the sports anchor.

Calabro is a native Hoosier having graduated from Ben Davis High School and Butler University. When not working, he enjoys spending time boating and fishing with his wife and two sons.

This is the 26th year the IHSAA has recognized outstanding members of the Indiana news media from each of its three legislative districts for excellence in the coverage of high school sports. District II covers 28 counties throughout central Indiana.